Farm fires not major cause of pollution in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court

New Delhi : The Centre has informed the Supreme Court on Monday that farm fires contribute only 5%-10% of the total pollution in the national capital and it is not the main source of pollution.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the Centre to call an emergency meeting with Punjab and Haryana to churn out a plan to persuade the farmers to stop stubble burning.

The apex body noted that currently there is a need to stop non-essential vehicular movement, industrial pollution and dust control measures.

The Centre argued in the court that stubble burning is not the main reason behind pollution in Delhi, it contributes only to 10% of the total pollution.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told a bench of CJI N V Ramana and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant that dust is major cause of pollution now. He praised Delhi government for doing utmost in undertaking intensive sprinkling measures and stopping construction activities.